Fez

We limited exploring Fez just to its Medina (Old Town) which really is beautiful, but also full of narrow, winding walk paths and mysterious closes forming an absolute maze of nameless streets. We didn’t have as much time as we would have liked to explore Fez’s hidden secrets as we planned to arrive in Marrakesh that evening. We really wanted to see one of the most captivating spots in Fez though - the tanneries. Being already a bit lost we were stopped by a shouts of a hooded man from a Café – ‘monsieur tanneries this way free of charge’! Knowing there is nothing free of charge in this world but also having slim chances to succeed on our own we agreed and followed our newly found guide, and as it later emerged personal shopping advisor. He led us through so many passes, curves - we were more lost than we could imagine. Still it was worth the risk - what a sight! We were led to the roof of a leather shop where from you could see not only the tannery itself with its animal skins stretched drying in the sun, being treated or tanned into different colours but also the skyline of Fez with hills towering over the buildings. B E A U T I F U L ! ! ! Those tanneries are apparently the oldest ones of the Arabic world that are still in use, they work using just the natural materials and utilising methods that have not changed since medieval times. Having been explained all about the tanneries it turned out that although the visit was free we should view the products made in the tannery, possibly buy something or at least make a donation (that’s what we did).

Please watch our movie - an interview about tanneries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItwB1O4X9vI 

After the tanneries our green jilaba (traditional hooded outfit) wearing guide led us again, through many passes, curves, ways up and down...And we ended up in the herbalist shop. Following a short lesson about every famous herb of Morocco we were again invited to make a purchase. Our guide seemed not to be discouraged by our repeated NO and wanted to take us for another shop, but using the sign language to communicate we invited him for a tea/coffee instead – It worked! That was the first time we tasted the traditional Moroccan tea! DELICIOUS a bit overly sweet but still great! Ada felt a little weird as in Arabic culture cafés are for men only. It was a strange experience having people’s eyes constantly follow you - with no hostility though. Everybody was staring but also in a kind way and with a smile - tables have turned now we felt like a tourist attraction  Having finished the tea it was high time to leave for Marrakesh as it was still a long way awaiting us...

Our photo album: http://picasaweb.google.com/106661203325099532399/2Fez#